Connecticut: Sales Tax Handbook
Connecticut Sales Tax Rate
| State Sales Tax | Local Sales Tax Range | Average Local Tax | Average Combined Tax | Max Combined Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.35% | N/A | N/A | 6.35% | 6.35% |
2024 Connecticut Sales Tax Handbook
Connecticut Table of Contents
- List of Local Sales Tax Rates
- Sales Tax Calculator
- Sales Tax Exemption Certificates
- Sales Tax Info For Businessowners
- Taxable vs. Non-Taxable Purchases
- Sales Tax on Cars & Vehicles
- More Information
Connecticut's Sales Tax By The Numbers:
Connecticut has a higher-than-average state sales tax rate, but the actual sales tax rates in most Connecticut cities are lower than average when local sales taxes from Connecticut's 1 local tax jurisdictions are taken into account.
Rankings by Average State + Local Sales Tax:
Ranked 28th highest by combined state + local sales tax
Ranked 18th highest by per capita revenue from state + local sales taxes ($1,054 per capita)
Rankings by State Sales Tax Only:
Ranked 6th highest by state sales tax rate
Ranked 6th highest by per capita revenue from the statewide sales tax ($1,073 per capita)
Printable PDF Connecticut Sales Tax Datasheet
Connecticut has a statewide sales tax rate of 6.35%, which has been in place since 1947.
Municipal governments in Connecticut are also allowed to collect a local-option sales tax that ranges from 0% to 0% across the state, with an average local tax of N/A (for a total of 6.35% when combined with the state sales tax). The maximum local tax rate allowed by Connecticut law is <span class='text-muted'>N/A</span>. You can lookup Connecticut city and county sales tax rates here.
This page provides an overview of the sales tax rates and laws in Connecticut. If you are a business owner and need to learn more about things like getting a sales tax permit, filing a sales tax return, or making tax-exempt purchases for resale see the Connecticut Sales Tax Handbook's Table of Contents above.
What is exempt from sales taxes in Connecticut?
Many states have special sales tax rates that apply to the purchase of certain types of goods, or fully exempt them from the sales tax altogether. Here's how Connecticut taxes five types of commonly-exempted goods:
Clothing
6.35%
Groceries
EXEMPT
Prepared Food
6.35%
Prescription Drugs
EXEMPT
OTC Drugs
EXEMPT
For more details on what types of goods are specifically exempt from the Connecticut sales tax see Connecticut sales tax exemptions. To learn more about what types of transactions are subject to the sales tax to begin with, see what purchases are taxable in Connecticut? Taxation of vehicle purchases in particular are discussed in the page about Connecticut's sales tax on cars.
Are services subject to sales tax in Connecticut?
"Goods" refers to the sale of tangible personal property, which are generally taxable. "Services" refers to the sale of labor or a non-tangible benefit. In Connecticut, specified services are taxable.
About the Connecticut Sales Tax
The state of Connecticut has relatively simple sales tax rate, and is one of the few states which does not have a local or county tax in addition to the state sales tax.
In addition to the state sales tax, there is a 4.5% transfer tax that applies to the sale of motor vehicles, and a 1% tax that applies to certain computer services. Some items, including clothing costing less than $50 and energy-efficient light bulbs, are fully exempt from the state sales tax.
Is the Connecticut Sales Tax Destination-Based or Origin-Based?
Connecticut is a destination-based sales tax state, which means that sales tax rates are determined by the location of the buyer when the transaction is completed. This means that, for orders placed via the internet/mail by a customer within Connecticut from a Connecticut vendor, the vendor must collect a sales tax rate applicable at the buyer's address (including any applicable local sales taxes). This can significantly increase the complication of filing your sales tax return, because different sales tax rates must be charged to different buyers based on their location.
Is Connecticut a Streamlined Sales Tax State?
Connecticut is not a member of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. The SSUTA is an agreement adopted by about half of states that ensures that their sales tax laws are simplified to lower the costs associated with compliance.
Contact the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
The Connecticut Sales Tax is administered by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. You can learn more by visiting the sales tax information website at www.ct.gov.
Phone numbers for the Sales Tax division of the Department of Revenue Services are as follows:
- Local Phone: (860) 297-5962
- Toll-Free Phone: (800) 382-9463
Learn More: Our Book Recommendations
If you would like to learn more about how to manage your Connecticut sales taxes, we recommend the following books:
Small Business Taxes For Dummies
This introductury book assists both current and aspiring small business owners with important tax planning issues, and covers a wide variety of small business tax topics.
Buy on Amazon
A Guide to Sales and Use Tax
This book provides information and insights on how to comply with a multitude of sales and use tax laws and regulations. This is our recommendation if you need an in-depth look into sales taxes.
Buy on AmazonSimplify Connecticut sales tax compliance! We provide sales tax rate databases for businesses who manage their own sales taxes, and can also connect you with firms that can completely automate the sales tax calculation and filing process. Click here to get more information.
Connecticut Sales Tax Rates by Zip Code:
Need an updated list of Connecticut sales tax rates for your business? Download our Connecticut sales tax database!